JIM Magilton today confirmed that he is hoping for the luck of the Irish to rub off on Ipswich Town in next week's tour to Belfast.

Elvin King

JIM Magilton today confirmed that he is hoping for the luck of the Irish to rub off on Ipswich Town in next week's tour to Belfast.

The Blues boss took a break from packing his bags to look ahead to what could prove to be lucrative off-shoots to what is basically a team bonding and fitness improving trip.

He is hoping to come across a talented player or two from the city that brought the likes of George Best into the football world.

The Town party leave tomorrow and play three games in the Belfast area as well as stepping up their training schedule.

But Belfast-born Magilton, who holds almost cult status in his home city, sees more to the seven days than gaining three wins and sharpening up muscles.

“There is an untapped market in Northern Ireland and I want us to be in a position to benefit from this,” said Magilton.

“We will be spreading the gospel of Ipswich Town to the people of Ireland. The fixtures lined up will push us and the tour will also allow us to spread our wings to the wider community of Northern Ireland.

“Maybe we will be able to form an attachment there and this may lead to us getting a close look at the best players. And then look into the opportunity of bringing them to Portman Road.”

Ipswich have games confirmed against Cliftonville on Monday, Donegal Celtic three days later and Glentoran on Saturday, July 19.

Reports yesterday that Honduran left-sided player Emilio Izaguirre will be in the Town party are wide of the mark.

The 22-year-old is due to travel to Ipswich and he plans to make the most of a chance to achieve his dream of playing in England. But he will not arrive in time to join the Town squad for their trip to Northern Ireland.

Izaquirre usually plays wing-back for his club Motagua and midfield for Honduras where he has won 20 caps, scoring once. He can also play left back.

Izaguirre is quoted as saying: “My agent told me that I will be with Ipswich for ten days and if everything comes out well I could sign my contract.

“I am really happy for this opportunity. It is a dream come true because from my early days I have wanted to play abroad.”